Supermarket giant Morrisons could be opening in Bargoed as part of the town’s major redevelopment.
The joint announcement by Caerphilly County Borough Council, Morrisons and developer Simons is a huge boost to the area and follows a £8.3 million European grant towards the town’s regeneration.
Councillor Ron Davies, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is fantastic news and I’m sure the whole community will join us in welcoming the announcement.
“Bargoed is a key strategic town centre with a proud history and we want to re-position it as a major valleys shopping destination.
“Many people have worked tirelessly to bring about these improvements, especially the local members, so I’d like to thank everyone involved and look forward to seeing this exciting scheme get off the ground.”
Caerphilly Council’s cabinet is due to consider a series of financial decisions it needs to make for the development to go ahead at its meeting on Thursday.
The redevelopment of the town centre is being spearheaded by Simons Developments Ltd, the council’s “preferred developer”.
The two organisations have been locked in talks with Morrisons for it to anchor the town centre development.
A spokesman for Morrisons said: “We appreciate all the hard work and commitment that the council and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) have put in to making the retail plateau development at Bargoed possible.
“Now that we have our board approval in place we look forward to working with the council, WAG and Simons Developments to help deliver this important project.”
Leader of council Lindsay Whittle welcomed the news and said: “The announcement, together with commitments from the council and the Welsh Assembly Government, will mean that the missing piece of the jigsaw for Bargoed’s regeneration is in place, although the development is still subject to planning permission.”
Caerphilly MP Wayne David said: “I am absolutely delighted at this wonderful news. Morrisons’ decision is a huge vote of confidence for Bargoed and will be the catalyst for the town’s regeneration.
“Now that Angel Way has been completed and funding for other community improvements are in place, Bargoed can look forward to its future with real optimism.
“As Morrisons have said themselves, they will provide ‘fresh affordable food’ for the people of Bargoed and the store will also attract shoppers from a wide catchment area, thereby bringing in customers who will shop in other nearby outlets.”
Major preparatory works have already been carried out at the site and a number of properties have been demolished to make way for the scheme.
The multi-million pound development should boost the local economy, create hundreds of new jobs and breathe new life into Bargoed town centre
As well as the main supermarket development, the proposals also includes new shops, attractive public spaces and more than 400 car parking spaces.
For more information about the regeneration of Bargoed visit www.bargoedsbigidea.co.uk
Morrisons Bargoed, south wales store isnt included on your list of new store openings ,when do you intent to open this store PS there are several other new locstions i have heard about but have not been included on the new store list ie Gloucester , Peretlee, Elland, Wadebridge, may be you could email me at my email . keithstansfield@live.co.uk. look forward to hearing from somebody soon about my enquires.